Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
RECENT SALES
(click on pictures to enlarge)
WWI production RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers.
WWI issue RAF Mk I flying helmet (cap, flying, as correctly noted in RAF parlance). Leather helmet with fur lining around the cheeks and neck, fur lined fold-up peak, flannel lined crown with lovely makers label to George Leavy, one of the better know suppliers to the Air Board/Air Ministry in WWI. Size 7 and fits a display head comfortably. Lovely russet brown leather helmet shows some use, with a few worn spots to the fur lining; chin strap stitching has been reinforced at the tip. Leather is in good shape and helmet displays very well. Fitted with ear flaps and wind-deflector cylindrical pads. All snaps/studs work perfectly. Has been modified by adding an early set of Gosport receivers, permanently attached by sewing to the sides of the helmet, making this a very scarce variant. The Leavey label and overall construction suggests 1918 production - and wartime examples are quite difficult to find. A very nice official issued and used helmet.​
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 WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |  WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |
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 WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |  WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |
 WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |  WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receiversDSCN4877 |
 WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |  WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |
 WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |  WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |
 WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |  WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |
Fantastic and extremely rare pair of RFC "Fug" Boots in exceptional condition.
One of the most difficult items of early flying clothing to find, and missing from many collections – the "Fug" boots were an invaluable asset to RFC aircrews and so coveted by German pilots that they would be the first item confiscated as "booty" in the event of an aerial victory. As issued they came up to the hips, with leather straps and buckles to attach to the waistbelt, but these were cumbersome under the coat and added little comfort, so the majority of RFC pilots and observers cut them down. This pair, which has been more neatly modified than most, is in amazing condition. Only the very top section has been trimmed, leaving a great pair of thigh-length, over-the-knee boots which provided warmth and comfort at altitude and on cold days. they feature lovely rich honey coloured skeepskin with brown leather shoe section and straps. Most surviving examples are well worn, torn and often show multiple repairs to the sheepskin - these are excellent with no damage or wear, retaining their fleece lining and red rubber soles, as well as tightening straps around the instep and lower leg. They would be very difficult to upgrade.
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 Fantastic pair of extremely rare RFC "fug" boots in excellent condition |  Fantastic pair of extremely rare RFC "fug" boots in excellent condition |
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 Fantastic pair of extremely rare RFC "fug" boots in excellent conditionDSCN4605 |  Fantastic pair of extremely rare RFC "fug" boots in excellent condition |
 Fantastic pair of extremely rare RFC "fug" boots in excellent condition |  Fantastic pair of extremely rare RFC "fug" boots in excellent condition |
 Fantastic pair of extremely rare RFC "fug" boots in excellent condition |  Fantastic pair of extremely rare RFC "fug" boots in excellent condition |
Superb WWI Royal Flying Corps flying gauntlets.
Very good pair of expensive privately-purchased flying gauntlets by Fownes "Own Make". Fabulous quality soft leather palms and inner arms with a fur outer for warmth and to repel water. Separate trigger ginger and thumb. Show some use with a couple of bald spots to the fur but no excessive wear or damage and display well. Overall a lovely example dating to the early days of the RFC.
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 WWI Royal Flying Corps flying gauntlets |  WWI Royal Flying Corps flying gauntlets |
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 WWI Royal Flying Corps flying gauntlets |  WWI Royal Flying Corps flying gauntlets |
 WWI Royal Flying Corps flying gauntlets |
Extremely rare Royal Flying Corps waistcoat/poncho warmer worn under the flying coat.
Another extremely rare item of flying clothing issued to pilots of the RFC and RNAS to combat the cold. This suede and shearling warmer comprised a cmbination waistcoat and poncho which slipped over the head, secured in place by a belt which buckled around the waist, then buttoned at the shoulder. This example is in very good condition, clean, with no damage, but lacking the two original buttons which fastened at the shoulder (these could very easily be replaced). Though often seen in period photographs, I have never actually seen one of these before and it is extremely well made. A very rare find.
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 RFC waistcoat/poncho warmer worn under the flying coat |  RFC waistcoat/poncho warmer worn under the flying coat |
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 RFC waistcoat/poncho warmer worn under the flying coat |  RFC waistcoat/poncho warmer worn under the flying coat |
 RFC waistcoat/poncho warmer worn under the flying coat |
RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF.
Yet another wonderful piece of rare RFC flying clothing; the ubiquitous and iconic leather flying coat worn throughout the war, even after it was technically replaced by the more effective one-piece flying overall. This coat is in very good used condition. the leather is excellent, with no damage or excessive wear (a few scratches and surface nicks and slightly grubby from use). There is wear to the lining, notably inside the neck, but all buttons are present and correct, as is the belt and the interior straps for securing to the legs. It would undoubtedly clean up if desired, but it has so much history I'd rather leave it as is! The coat came from the family of S. Spinks, who was initially an Air Mechanic (as most non-officer pilots began life in the RFC). He flew DH9 aircraft in France with 98 squadron. Included with the coat is a letter from the family, a Christmas card from Spinks and 2 photos; one a portrait of him and the other a picture of some of his "palls" (sp). He trained at Gosport before moving to 98 sq. and history can be found online. Most RFC coats I have handled usually exhibit damage or wear commensurate with age - this is one of the best examples I have seen, as far as the condition of the leather goes - an absolute gem.
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 RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |  RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |
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 RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |  RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |
 RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |  RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |
 RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |  RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |
 RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |  RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |
 RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |  RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |
 RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |
RAF Irvin jacket by Links, with history —1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition.
Absolutely fabulous Irvin jacket - the best I have ever seen. It has only been worn a few times and comes with history and provenance from a Wellington pilot with 218 and 75 squadron. The reason it is in such amazing condition is because he took it with him on leave to wear while driving his sports car. While he was away, his airfield was bombed and the locker with all his flying kit in was destroyed - so he was issued all new kit, including a new jacket. He kept this one and only wore it occasionally! Reddish brown outer, all zips in perfect working order, short honey coloured fleece, great label and original neck strap in place. This would be very difficult to upgrade.
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 RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |  RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |
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 RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |  RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |
 RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |  RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |
 RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |  RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |
 RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |  RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |
 RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |  RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |
 RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |  RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |
 RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |
RAF Type D flying gloves, near perfect colour match.
Very unusual to find RAF flying gloves in a matching pair, but these are an almost perfect match. Colour-wise and pattern they are pretty much spot on. Size-wise they appear identical, although one is marked 9 and the other 8.5. Both have slightly different labels, but both are Air Ministry marked, suggesting 1943 production. Condition is unissued, with leather soft and supple as new. A very nice pair of gloves.
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 RAF Type D flying gloves, near perfect colour match |  RAF Type D flying gloves, near perfect colour match |
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 RAF Type D flying gloves, near perfect colour match |
RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism.
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Introduced in 1941 and thus often referred to as "1941 Pattern" though it is correctly termed "Life Saving Waistcoat, Stole-Inflated pattern". Yellow cotton construction with leg tapes, built-in grab handles, pocket for floating torch and battery holder, flap for dye pouch, and including an extremely rare early yellow silk covered stole (bladder) complete with its lever-operated inflation mechanism. Extremely clean, near perfect condition with no wear or tears - though curiously the zip at the back of the collar is missing its slide and puller. No evidence of damage - it's just absent! (Could no doubt be replaced with care and patience). The stole is pliable and clean with no damage, though the red rubber sleeve covering it's top up valve mouthpiece is long gone. Well marked and dated 9/41 which is extremely early. A textbook example in excellent condition.
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 RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |  RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |
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 RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |  RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |
 RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |  RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |
 RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |  RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |
 RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |  RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |
 RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |
Exquisite, WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" in red baize-lined case.
Spectacular pair of very early French flying goggles. The "Cyclops" goggles were designed to offer the best wind and weather protection, as well as better visibility than conventional 2-eye-piece goggles. Curved (cylindrical) one-piece optical glass lens with a nickel plated surround, leather facemask lined with red velvet and elastic strap. This style was sold in department stores such as Roold of Paris to compliment the popular Roold range of flying helmets (see last image). Of course these display superbly with a Roold or similar helmet! These come in a beautiful red baize-lined, leatherette-covered wooden case and include an additional spare glass lens, all in absolutely fabulous condition, and apparently unworn. A remarkable find.
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 WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |  WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |
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 WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |  WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |
 WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |  WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |
 WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |  WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |
 WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |  WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |
RARE USAAF 452nd BG, 8th Air Force Pictorial Unit History.
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Not the biggest in terms of page count (40pages plus hard cardboard cover), but one of the best of these immediate post-war unit histories I have seen. The 452nd BG was stationed at Deopham Green in England and comprised the 728th, 729th, 730th and 731st Bomber Squadrons and each of their colourful unit patches are depicted in full colour on the back cover. This book is almost 100% photographs and shows a wide range of historical images, including
A-2 jacket art, nose art, mission photos, flying kit and a lot more. Great period artwork, as well.
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 RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |  RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |
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 RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |  RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |
 RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |  RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |
 RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit HistoryDSCN4272 |  RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |
 RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |  RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |
 RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |
Modified British Army flying boots possible USAAF use?
Very interesting pair of flying boots, which may have been tailored for a USAAF pilot/crewman or perhaps modified from a pair of British Army issue flying boots. They definitely appear to be British style and construction, in high quality brown leather, calf skin lined, and mid-calf length. The rear seams have been cut apart and WWII pattern Talon zip fasteners sewn into place, making the boots easier to put on and take off. These zips appear to have been added by a rigger. In so doing, the original height of the boots may have been cut down slightly at the back to accommodate the zips. Leather soles are original. Modification has been done well and they are a very nice pair of boots. British Army flying boots, similar to the RAF 1936 pattern boots but considerably shorter and brown leather, were issued to Glider pilots and Army Co-operation pilots.
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 Modified British Army flying boots for USAAF |  Modified British Army flying boots for USAAF |
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 Modified British Army flying boots for USAAF |  Modified British Army flying boots for USAAF |
 Modified British Army flying boots for USAAF |  Modified British Army flying boots for USAAF |
 Modified British Army flying boots for USAAF |
RAF Type D flying gloves, non-matching pair.
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Excellent non-matching pair of Type D flying gloves. Near perfect match in the colour of the leather, but one is marked as a size 9-1/2 while the other is marked a size 10. However they seem to be a very close match in size and it's hard to tell when wearing them or placing them together. One has a broad arrow marked label and the other has a nice A-crown-M label. These and other gloves were often issued non-matching and I have no doubt these were always together this way (although they appear unissued).
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 RAF Type D flying gauntlets |  DSCN9546 |
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 DSCN9547 |
RARE RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contents in very good condition.
Very few survive and most show major deterioration. This example is complete with all contents and in surprisingly good condition. The case has some inward warping around the edge, but lid fits for display and contains a remarkable list of components: Rubberized water bottle; chewing gum (12); malted milk tablets (24); 2 tubes of condensed milk; plastic container with matches (slightly warped and fragile with some minor cracks at the edge); compass in waterproof pouch; combination razor blade, burning glass and can opener; fishing line; 2 rolls of sticking plaster; energy tablets; 2 packets of halazone (water purifying) tablets. 5/44 dated inspection slip. Though some of the perishable contents have leached from their wrappings and are a bit sticky, this is one of the best Escape Aids Boxes I have seen in a long time.
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 RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contents |  RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contents |
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 RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contents |  RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contents |
 RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contents |  RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contentsDSCN4791 |
 RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contents |  RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contents |
Box of 2 unused filter canisters for WWII USN MSA oxygen rebreather kit dated 1943.
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A scarce accessory for the US Navy rebreather apparatus carried in most USN aircraft for use with the Type C oxygen mask and others. These filters mount on the side of the apparatus and contained charcoal for filtering out CO2 during the rebreathing process. Two original and unopened canisters contained in their original manufacturer's packing box as issued, USN property marjed and dated July 1943. The boxes evidently got damp at some point and there is surface rust on the green canisters which has stained the paper labels, however the labels are intact and still legible.
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 Box of 2 filter canisters for USN MSA rebreather kit |
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 Box of 2 filter canisters for USN MSA rebreather kit |
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